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Tag: black singers

  • Kehlani Opens Up About Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

    In a candid new interview with Vibe, singer Kehlani is opening up about the challenging period that led to her diagnoses of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder. The artist revealed that a significant “dark spiral” and a feeling of being “in crisis” prompted her to seek professional help, ultimately leading to her receiving the tools she now uses to navigate her mental health.

    From Crisis to Clarity

    Kehlani shared that her diagnosis came in April 2025, and since then, she’s been actively engaged in the work that comes with it. “When you finally have the tools, you have the diagnosis. But along with the diagnosis comes the work,” she told Vibe. This journey has involved medication, various forms of therapy including somatic healing, and a newfound awareness of her own symptoms and triggers.

    The singer explained that she reached a point of “extreme paranoia,” which she believes was exacerbated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The intense emotions and feelings of helplessness led to a breaking point. “Watching babies get blown to bits should do something to you,” Kehlani stated. “All of that combined with me not knowing what to do with my position [and] the survivor’s guilt… All of that just made me snap.”

    Building a Support System

    Navigating life in the public eye presents unique challenges, and Kehlani emphasizes the importance of her support system. She has learned to communicate her needs to trusted friends, asking them to intervene if they notice signs like lack of sleep, changes in eating habits, rapid speech, or impulsive decisions. “Call my psychiatrist. I’m in crisis,” she’ll tell them.

    Accepting the Unavoidable

    Kehlani also spoke about the difficulty of dealing with public scrutiny and misunderstanding. She has come to accept that negativity is an unavoidable part of having a public career. “I don’t have that hope anymore that people can just have fruitful careers without the bullsh-t,” she admitted. This realization has freed her to focus on her music and personal life without the constant pressure of being perfectly understood.

    At some point, no matter what you say or how you present, you can’t prevent any reaction that’s going to happen. So once the shackles of being understood freed me, I was like let me just make some damn music and live my life. — Kehlani

    Kehlani first publicly shared her BPD and Bipolar Disorder diagnoses in April 2025, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward wholeness. Her openness serves as a powerful reminder that seeking help and embracing one’s truth are vital steps in managing mental health.

    What are your thoughts on Kehlani’s openness about her mental health journey? Share your reflections in the comments below.

  • Andra Day Honored for Humanitarian Work

    Get ready to celebrate a true changemaker! Grammy-winning singer, actress, and activist Andra Day is set to receive the prestigious Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award at WhyHunger’s annual Chapin Awards Gala. This incredible honor will take place on May 6, 2026, at Cipriani 25 in New York City.

    A Voice for Justice and Compassion

    WhyHunger’s Chapin Awards Gala shines a spotlight on artists and public figures who use their influence to champion a more just and compassionate world. This award specifically recognizes Andra Day’s deep and unwavering commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes, which have consistently shaped her music and her powerful advocacy.

    Day is celebrated for her soulful vocals and thoughtful songwriting, blending gospel, jazz, and blues influences into modern soul and pop. Her debut album, “Cheers to the Fall” (2015), introduced the world to her talent, featuring the quadruple-platinum hit “Rise Up.” This project not only earned her Grammy nominations and a win but also an Academy Award nomination for her song “Stand Up for Something” from the film “Marshall.”

    “Rise Up’ began as a personal reminder to keep going when the world feels heavy, and I never imagined it would become an anthem for resilience and justice. To me, justice isn’t abstract — it means no one goes hungry, every child has nourishment, and every community has hope. If this song has helped even one person have more compassion or be healed, I’m grateful.” — Andra Day

    Music as a Catalyst for Change

    Andra Day has consistently used her music as a powerful tool for activism. Her performance of “Rise Up” at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, following remarks from the mothers of Trayvon Martin and Sandra Bland, cemented the song’s status as an unofficial anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. Day has expressed her honor that the song became associated with calls for racial justice.

    Her advocacy extends beyond music. She’s supported initiatives like the Global Citizen Festival, aimed at ending extreme poverty, and participated in campaigns encouraging civic engagement for change in arts education. She also contributed to the documentary “We Will Rise,” highlighting girls overcoming barriers to education worldwide.

    Furthermore, Day has championed causes including social and racial justice, gender equality, the rights of girls and women, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and juvenile justice reform. Her participation in the 2020 PlayOn benefit concert alone helped raise over $7 million for WhyHunger and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

    WhyHunger’s Mission and Impact

    The Chapin Awards Gala is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a vital fundraiser for WhyHunger’s mission to end hunger and address its root causes. The event brings together artists, activists, and philanthropists for an evening of cocktails, dinner, and live music. Past honorees include legendary figures like Barbra Streisand, Elvis Costello, and Harry Belafonte, underscoring the significance of this recognition.

    WhyHunger recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, raising $1.4 million during its Hungerthon fundraiser. Over the last five years, the organization has connected millions with food resources and invested significantly in community-led solutions globally. They operate in the U.S. and 24 countries, dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food.

    What are your thoughts on Andra Day receiving the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award? Share your reactions in the comments below!

  • Mario Calls Out Fan for Inappropriate Touch On Stage

    You know how it is when your favorite artist is performing live – the energy is electric, and you just want to connect! But there’s a line, and R&B singer Mario recently had to remind a fan of that when things got a little too personal during a show in Detroit. It’s a clear message: keep your hands to yourself when the music is on!

    When a Fan Goes Too Far

    During a recent performance, as Mario was deeply immersed in his music and engaging with the crowd, one overzealous fan crossed a significant boundary. This individual reached out and touched the singer inappropriately, specifically in the manhood area. Imagine the shock and discomfort!

    Mario, understandably, pulled back immediately. His reaction was swift and clear: “Stop playing with me!” This wasn’t just a casual interaction; it was a direct response to a violation of his personal space and comfort during his professional performance.

    Setting Boundaries on Stage

    Many fans and observers agreed that the fan’s actions were out of line and a clear disrespect for the artist’s personal boundaries. It’s a sentiment echoed across social media and fan discussions – while the connection with an artist is special, it shouldn’t come at the expense of their safety or comfort.

    This isn’t the first time Mario has had a notable on-stage moment this year. Back in October, during a performance at the Big Fresno Fair, he had a tense exchange with a videographer who got a bit too close for comfort. Mario famously told the cameraman to “get the f*ck off the stage.”

    Clarification and Apology

    Interestingly, the videographer, Ryan Hudgins, later posted a statement clarifying that Mario and his team were respectful throughout the event. He emphasized that despite the heated moment, the overall experience was positive, with all artists and their teams being professional and courteous.

    Mario himself later apologized for his outburst, explaining that a cameraman being that close to the stage, especially without a specific reason or being part of the artist’s crew, can be incredibly disruptive and throw off a performance. It highlights the delicate balance artists try to maintain between engaging with their audience and executing their craft.

    Why This Matters

    These incidents serve as important reminders about respecting personal space, even in the high-energy environment of a live concert. Artists, like all individuals, deserve to feel safe and comfortable while they work. It’s about understanding the difference between enthusiastic fandom and intrusive behavior.

    What are your thoughts on fan-artist interactions at concerts? Have you ever witnessed or experienced something similar? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Muni Long’s ‘Delulu’ Skit Mocks Mariah Carey, Sparks Backlash

    It seems some artists have a hard time letting things go, and Muni Long is proving that point. Months after a perceived slight from pop icon Mariah Carey, Long has released a promotional video for her new single ‘Delulu’ that directly parodies Carey, and it’s already causing a stir.

    The ‘Delulu’ Skit and Its Controversial Parody

    The skit features Muni Long mimicking Mariah Carey, complete with a red stamp labeled ‘Delulu’ applied to a mock photo of the pop legend. In the video, Long mockingly says, “I just don’t like when other people sing my songs.” This is a direct reference to an interview Mariah Carey gave to GQ back in September, where she addressed Long’s cover of ‘We Belong Together’.

    Carey had stated in the interview, “Well, I’m very honored and flattered that she did it. I love Muni Long, she’s a great person, umm, but I just don’t like people doing my songs.” It later came to light that Carey claimed she didn’t realize Long’s performance was a tribute, as Long’s song was similar to hers, and she was unaware of the cover. Muni Long, however, seems to have taken offense, interpreting Carey’s comments as shade.

    Backlash and Accusations of Disrespect

    The decision to parody Mariah Carey, a living legend and a two-time GRAMMY winner, has backfired spectacularly. Fans have erupted on social media, with many deeming the skit disrespectful and cringe-worthy. Comments flooded in, with users questioning Muni Long’s decision to come for Mariah, especially given Carey’s legendary status and influence.

    One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Muni Long… Sis, what are you doing? What made you think coming for THEE legend Mariah Carey was a good idea? You just got here, trust you can be forgotten just as quickly as you arrived. Delete that video.” Others pointed out that Mariah never actually shaded Muni, and the media twisted her words, while Muni’s actions were a clear attempt at disrespect.

    Is This Just Promo?

    Amidst the backlash, Muni Long released another video attempting to clear up the rumblings of a beef. However, many believe the damage is already done. Some speculate that this entire drama might be a calculated promotional tactic, following the trend of artists creating viral moments through conflict, as seen with Kendrick Lamar and Drake, or Cardi B’s recent album.

    Considering Long’s past work on songs for Carey, including background vocals on “A No No” and co-writing “Runaway,” some wonder if she’s become overly confident. Regardless of intent, mocking an artist as sensitive as Mariah Carey, particularly regarding details like room lighting (also ironically parodied in the skit), seems like a risky move that could alienate fans and invite further criticism from Carey’s devoted fanbase, the Lambily.

    • Muni Long released a promotional skit for her new single ‘Delulu’ that parodies Mariah Carey.
    • The skit references Carey’s GQ interview about Long covering ‘We Belong Together’.
    • Fans have criticized the skit as disrespectful and a poor career move.
    • Mariah Carey had previously stated she was flattered by Long’s cover but didn’t like people singing her songs.
    • Speculation exists that the controversy might be a deliberate promotional tactic.

    What are your thoughts on Muni Long’s ‘Delulu’ skit and her parody of Mariah Carey? Was it harmless promo or genuine disrespect? Let us know in the comments below!